Avoid foods containing seeds or hulls (especially popcorn) for 3 months after surgery. Problems with infection which can occur two to three months after surgery are most commonly the result of trapped food particles in a healing surgical site. If you develop pain or swelling (particularly in the lower jaw) within three months of your surgery you should call our office immediately. Usually a short course of antibiotics and a follow-up examination by the Doctor will be all that is required. Delay in contacting our office can lead to more pain/swelling and the need for possible additional surgery.
If you are given a syringe to use for wound irrigation, you should be sure to use this as directed for the length of time specified in your post-op instructions provided at the time of discharge. In general you will heal faster with excellent oral hygiene.
If you are a smoker, try to minimize smoking for the first two to three months after surgery. Smoking cessation programs monitored by your family physician are beneficial in this regard. Final healing of bone tissues is often not complete for one year after surgery. Even moderate (less than 10 cigs/day) may have a detrimental effect on the final stages of healing.
Continued pain in the region of the jaw joint for more than three months after the surgery may represent a problem which requires evaluation and/or treatment. Female patients are particularly susceptible to this problem. Pre-existing popping/clicking or jaw “locking” may become worse for two to three months after surgery. Symptoms which persist after three months should be evaluated by Dr. Towning.
If you have any questions or concerns not addressed by these instructions please call our office.
